The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) office has been intensely engaged in activities and meetings over the past two months, with the aim of accompanying brothers who reflect and work in a Franciscan way in the social sphere. This time the work was focused on India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Below are some of the activities carried out.
India: Workshop on Laudato Si’ and Eco-spirituality
JPIC Commission members from the four provinces of Kerala participated in a fruitful training program at the new Eco-spirituality Center in St. Joseph Province, Kerala, India. The center, located in the high mountain ranges of Kerala, is being developed with a well-defined plan and offers a serene and inspiring environment. Twenty friars from the four provinces participated in the one-day seminar, which began with a time of prayer. The event was opened by Br. Scaria Kalloor, director of the JPIC Office. Professor Jiji, from Nirmala College, gave a very interesting session.
After the presentation, participants shared the different JPIC initiatives of their respective provinces. As a follow-up, it was decided to form interprovincial subgroups to animate specific JPIC activities. In addition, short-term seminars on ecology and spirituality will be held for friars from the four provinces at the Shola Centre, Kulamavu, under the direction of Br. Jijo Kurian, project director.
Sri Lanka: JPIC Workshop
A two-day training program on JPIC was held at Padre Pio Nivas, Kochchikade, Negombo, Sri Lanka. This was the first JPIC initiative in Sri Lanka in recent years. The program was organized by Br. Nishshanka Perera, with support from Br. Frolic Fernandes and Br. Jerry Quintas. Among the participants were priests and religious from the northern and southern regions of Sri Lanka, representing various congregations. The event was opened by Br. Scaria Kalloor, director of the JPIC Office. Professor Sherard Jayawardane, professor emeritus of St. Mary’s College, Welivita, Kaduwela, presented an overview of the current situation in Sri Lanka. Br. Kulandaisamy, JPIC coordinator for CCMSI, India, continued with a presentation on “A Franciscan Response to a Political Society.”
The Philippines: JPIC Initiatives
The province has initiated several impactful programs, such as distributing meals to elderly residents in Pasig city and helping typhoon-affected communities in Roxas district. In Manila, a well-established JPIC center provides medical services, including dental and eye care, to marginalized populations in Mandaluyong and Pasig cities. Post-novice students also participate in these outreach activities. Visibility has been created for JPIC initiatives in the Philippines, coordinated by a committed team consisting of Roland Briones, José Raúl Rico, Jusfer John Albert, and Br. Joel de Jesús, provincial JPIC director. A key element in the sustainability of these programs has been the participation of local benefactors, supported through events such as Christmas parties and community purchasing initiatives.